Class Objectives

Requirements

A laptop or desktop computer if you’re joining from home. The Google Chrome web browser is recommended for computer users

A tablet or smartphone if you’re on-the-go. The TakeLessons app (for Android or iPhone) is required for smartphone users

A built-in or external webcam

Description

The main focus of this beginners’ class is to learn how to play basic melodies - a necessary part of advancing your ukulele skills. Melodies are the building blocks of songs and we’ll start by using a few well-known nursery rhymes to help you understand them. You’ll also get to practice reading tablature and playing new chords.

To provide the greatest availability of start dates we have assigned multiple teachers to this class.
All teachers will cover the same class material however their teaching styles may vary.

Edwin I.

I am a professional teacher/studio musician/performer/producer with over 17 years of private teaching experience and a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music and Jazz program in 2002. During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

Denise B.

Just like a piano, flute or violin, your voice is an instrument. The purpose of voice lessons is to help you to develop a beautiful and dynamic singing voice and also to teach you to use your voice in a healthy, age-appropriate way that will keep you singing for many years to come! As your teacher, I want our class to be more than just singing through a few songs. We will always start with some combination of warm-ups for your breath, body, and voice. Just as you wouldn't go running without first stretching and warming up your muscles, you don't want to start singing full songs without first getting your body and voice warmed up.
Warm-ups will also introduce you to new techniques for properly using your voice in a healthy and beautiful way. We will also work on expression and acting. A song isn't just pretty notes—it tells a story. If it's a song from a musical, there's a specific character that sings it. It's your job as a singer to tell the story and to make it fun and exciting for the audience. While there's a lot of hard work that goes on during a class, voice classes are lots of fun! As your teacher, I am here to encourage you, support you, and guide you in your vocal studies. I look forward to working with you soon!

Reina M.

My name is Reina and I was born and raised in San Diego. I have been recording, performing, studying music since the age of nine.

I first studied and performed jazz. I am very comfortable with standards. I studied classical in college. I believe that classical training is necessary to have a full understanding of your instrument, the same way you would train with sprints if you wish to become a cross country runner. From there personality and tons of practice are key to success in singing.

Grant H.

My name is Grant and I’ve been helping students grow for almost 10 years now! How time flies! I started playing music at the age of 9 and have been in love with it ever since, staying active in my local music scene as an instructor, performer, manager and booking agent. I have also earned a degree in Creative Writing from Louisiana State University for all of the students wishing improve their writing skills.

I pride myself in taking a students learning needs and using that as my basis for their specific lesson plan, always on a case-by-case basis, tailored to each individual student. Everyone is at a different waypoint on their path so why would I use a predetermined formula to try and help them, am I right? I am excited to meet and grow with every single one of you, let's learn to love the life we have and let our studies become radiant!

Grant is a great teacher. He is wonderful with my 9 year old son. We love him!

Nicole and Chad

Feb 7, 2016

Grant continues to be an excellent teacher for this beginner ukulele player. It's been years since I have practices music, and he is so patient as I try to re-learn how to read and play music. I highly recommend him as a teacher, and I look forward to learning more disciplines from him (including meditation and astrology!)

leslie

Mar 11, 2016

Grant was so patient and so encouraging. I am crazy excited and looking forward to our next session!

Trudy

Mar 24, 2016

My first lesson was wonderful! Grant was able to aptly identify how to help me progress with my study, and challenged me in the right ways to move forward.

I'm looking forward to my next lesson!

alyssa

Mar 29, 2016

Grant is an amazing teacher. Veeeeery patient, encouraging and really flexible with scheduling lessons. He lives up to the hype in the reviews. I will definitely be continuing my lessons with Grant.

Brandie

Sep 23, 2016

I feel Grant can be whatever you need! After the first lesson, I was confused with music theory and he made it clear by the second lesson. He is very concise with his words and I really appreciate it as some teachers can talk your whole session away. I also asked to work on strumming techniques and he was quick to come up with new ones for me as well as explaining how I can create my own. He's fantastic!

Stephanie B.

Nov 30, 2016

Excellent Instructor, Took his time with me and was very patience. Looking forward to more classes with him.

Jennifer B.

Dec 27, 2016

Great Class today. Grant is so patient with me.

Jennifer B.

Jan 3, 2017

Grant was able to feel out my interest and musical level surprisingly quickly and get me going toward MY goal. I felt more comfortable than expected and came away encouraged in my goals. Looking forward to more.